Symptom: Sweating, Increased

Initial Grading Reminder

CTCAE grading of sweating, increased:

Grade 1: Limited to one site (palms, soles, or axillae); self-care interventions
Grade 2: Involving >1 site; patient seeks medical intervention; associated with psychosocial impact
Grade 3: Generalized involving sites other than palms, soles, or axillae; associated with electrolyte/hemodynamic Imbalance

Assessment and Grading

Characterize the symptom (onset, pace)

Ask the patient:

Have you had any issues with increased sweating in the past? (if relevant: Are you perimenopausal?)  Is this a new or worsening symptom? When did it start or get worse? Has it developed gradually or suddenly? Are you sweating all the time or at specific times?

Grade the symptom

Ask the patient:

How much are you sweating? Where are you sweating? Is it affecting your ability to function? Are you feeling weak?

Patient Query Regarding Other Symptoms/Red Flags

Ask the patient:

Do you have any abdominal (belly) pain? Any nausea or vomiting? Do you have a fever and/or chills?  Do you feel like your heart is racing? Do you feel hot?

Patient Factors to Consider That Affect the Approach to Intervention

Consider the following in individualizing the intervention: Is the patient a good or poor historian? Any language barriers or cognitive deficits? Is the patient reliable (able to carry out treatment recommendations)? Does this patient have alcohol/substance abuse issues? Does the patient have transportation? Is there sufficient caregiver support?